In particular, cheaper televisions often offer a few individual connections. If you need more HDMI connections than the device provides, an HDMI switch can be the solution for connecting your own devices.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 What is an HDMI switch?
2 Differences to an HDMI matrix
3 Advantages of an HDMI switch
4th Support for 4K and 8K resolutions
5 Can an HDMI switch duplicate video and audio signals?
6th HDMI switches – a worthwhile investment?
Cheaper TV models often reach their price because they save on the number of connections available. But even smaller TV models can offer too few connections to accommodate all devices sensibly on one HDMI connection. If you have more devices than HDMI connections, an HDMI switch can be the solution.
WHAT IS AN HDMI SWITCH?
An HDMI switch is also known as an HDMI switch in German. It offers users the option of connecting multiple devices that you want to use on the same screen. In contrast to an HDMI splitter, it does not split a video signal over several screens. Instead, it enables users to switch back and forth between the individual devices without having to swap the HDMI cable between devices.
DIFFERENCES TO AN HDMI MATRIX
An HDMI matrix combines the functions of HDMI switches and HDMI splitters. Since it has multiple inputs and multiple outputs, multiple input and output devices can be linked together. It is therefore an alternative if you want to combine several inputs as well as outputs with one another. Or at least want to keep all alternatives open when buying the device.
ADVANTAGES OF AN HDMI SWITCH
The biggest advantage of HDMI switches is that the user saves the time of constantly changing the connected HDMI cable on the television between the end devices. When choosing video game consoles, Blu- ray players and receivers, you quickly face the problem of wanting to connect more devices to the TV than there are connections available. Instead, you connect the HDMI switch to an HDMI port on the television and use the various HDMI inputs on the switch to connect other devices there.
Since the distance from the switch to the devices is smaller than the distance from the devices to the television, shorter HDMI cables can be used. These are correspondingly cheaper to buy. Although you need more individual cables overall than when changing the connected devices with an HDMI cable, the costs are moderate thanks to the small cable lengths. Depending on how many connections your own HDMI switch provides, a different number of devices can be connected to one screen in this way. Many HDMI switches also have a so-called automatic switchover. This means that the devices recognize when a new video signal is received via one of the inputs and automatically switch to this input. So it is enough to turn on the video game console,
In addition, HDMI switches typically come with a remote control. If you have switched on several devices or own a device that does not have such an automatic switchover, you can easily switch between the incoming signals using the remote control. An HDMI switch also makes switching between an old and a new TV more convenient. Instead of having to reconnect all devices to the TV , at least all HDMI devices can be connected to the new TV with just one cable.
SUPPORT FOR 4K AND 8K RESOLUTIONS
HDMI switches can support 4K resolutions . However, it should be ensured that the 4K support is also available in the desired form. If you want to connect the HDMI switch to the 4K television, you should select a device that supports 4K up to 2,160p. Many HDMI switches can only support 4K up to 1080p. These models are therefore less suitable for use with 4K televisions or 4K projectors.
8K resolutions tooare possible with HDMI switches at image update rates of 60 Hz. Such 8K HDMI switches can also handle 4K without any problems and even offer image update rates of 120 Hz. It should be noted, however, that manufacturers often specify cable lengths here that must not be exceeded. This is to ensure the right data transmission. If the cable connected to the switch is too long, the transmission rate can drop and signal transmissions can be impaired. However, since most devices are usually positioned close to the television, there should be few problem cases. However, if you have set up your devices and your TV further apart, you may have to use a more expensive cable or an HDMI switch.
CAN AN HDMI SWITCH DUPLICATE VIDEO AND AUDIO SIGNALS?
No, if you want to duplicate an audio or video signal and transmit it to more than one screen, you need a so-called HDMI splitter. Alternatively, an HDMI matrix can be used which, in addition to the functions of an HDMI switch, also offers the functions of an HDMI splitter.
HDMI SWITCHES – A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT?
HDMI switches are an investment that comes with a number of benefits. Who is interested in always reaching behind their own devices to rearrange cables? Since there are good HDMI switches to buy for less than 20 euros, this is an investment in convenience that you can treat yourself to in the home. If you want to transfer resolutions up to 8K with your switch, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket, but these costs can also be avoided if you save the cable clutter. Since good short-length HDMI cables can now be purchased cheaply, the follow-up costs for the HDMI switch are also manageable. In short: HDMI switches are a piece of convenience that is part of home entertainmentfacilitate. In addition to HDMI switches, switches for other video signals such as DisplayPort are also available on the market.
